Use the edit button next time you want to tripple post plz. To answer your questions, you can max eiter OS or HoW, you don't need to max both. I'd suggest using an ebotdz for your main weapon(weap1) and a pheonix for shield(1). I suggest CTA with a spirit on your switch. Fortitude for your armor, and dream for your helm. A carrion wind for one ring, and a bul-kathos for the other, and Marrowwalk for your boots.
Yes, the druids that are using spirit for sword and shield are most likely casters, and don't really pertain to you, unless you want to make a windrid sometime. And again, yes, the stats are the same, with every type of char.